Smith , Dennis John

Dennis John Smith June 16, 1945 – May 9, 2016

Dennis John Smith, 70, of Zephyrhills, FL passed away quietly May 9, 2016 as a result of a long battle with dementia/Alzheimer’s. He was born to Shirley and Olin Smith Hyannis, Massachusetts on June 16, 1945. He attended Nichols College prior to serving in the US Navy from 1966 to 1971.

Dennis spent 23 years as a police officer with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, officially retiring June 30, 1994. After he retired from the police force, he joined the US Justice Department and the US State Department as a deputy US Marshall. After moving to Florida, he worked for Carquest for several years.

Dennis, known as DJ to most of those around him, is survived by his wife Mariaelena Smith of Zephyrhills, Florida, his son, Chad Smith of Texas, a daughter, Amy Griangrigorio of Massachusetts, and two step-daughters, Michele Randall of Virginia, and Janice DeGroot of Zephyrhills. He also leaves behind a brother, Barry Smith of Virginia. He also leaves behind four grandchildren. He also leaves the joy of his life, a little dachshund name Joy.

Dennis will be cremated and his ashes to be buried at a later date at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations in memory of Dennis John Smith to the Tampa Alzheimer’s Association and the national Alzheimer’s Association. Contact information for the local Alzheimer’s Association is: